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South Ayrshire Image March 13, 2012
Ayr Auld Kirk and Graveyard
Date: June 2009
©M.Bailey
The Auld Kirk was built on land previously occupied by the priory of the Franciscan order (The Grey Friars) who came to Ayr in 1472 and remained until the order was dissolved at the Reformation in 1560.
The present church was built in 1652 - 55 with money from the people of Ayr and 1,000 merks of conscience money from Cromwell's Army following the loss of the church of St John which was located within the new citadel.
The Kirkyard includes many interesting gravestones including a stone erected in memory of seven local men who were hanged in 1666 for their part in the Pentland Rising.
The Kirk's old mort safes hang in the gateway to the Kirk Yard.
The Wallace Tower, constructed in 1834. may be seen above the surrounding buildings.